Within Marion Reservoir, Marion Cove operates as a US Army Corps of Engineers campground that accommodates multiple access methods. Campers can drive directly to some sites, while others require a short walk from parking areas. The campground sits along the reservoir shoreline with forested terrain providing natural boundaries between camping areas.

Sites range from RV-accessible spots with water hookups for rigs up to 45 feet to tent-only areas scattered through the trees. Lady Phyre notes that "sites #5 & #6 are right next to each other and would make a great area for larger groups." Several sites feature covered picnic tables, and all include fire rings with firewood available for purchase nearby.

The reservoir draws boaters and anglers, with a boat launch providing water access for campers with watercraft. Swimming is permitted in the reservoir, though campers should expect company during peak periods. One reviewer found the area "really caters to RVers and boaters," indicating higher activity levels around the water access points. Cell service reaches the campground, and pets are welcome throughout the area.

Reservations can be made up to four days in advance through Recreation.gov, with sites costing $10 per night. Self-registration is available for walk-in campers when reservation sites remain open.

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Location

Public Campground

Marion Cove is located in Kansas

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.380691 N
97.075302 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 4/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 12/6/25

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Presented byHershey's

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 4/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 12/6/25

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the spacious waterside sites and reasonable $10 pricing. The primitive campground offers basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables with convenient self-registration.

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2025

Lakeshore Primitive Camping

There are a couple sites that you can park right next to with covered picnic tables and lots of tent only sites that are an easy walk. The reservoir is huge and accommodates boating, fishing, and swimming. It's reasonable priced at $10 per night. Reservations can be made up to 4 days in advance. #5 & #6 are right next to each other and would make a great area for larger groups. Check out Marion Cove on Recreation.gov for reservation details. Happy camping!

Site#5
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Marion Cove by Lady Phyre  ☆., June 30, 2025
  • Review photo of Marion Cove by Lady Phyre  ☆., June 30, 2025
Reviewed Apr. 13, 2021

First Come First Serve

For no frills stop this is really great. Right on the water. We only saw one campsite and it was occupied.

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2020

Primitive campground

Marion Cove is a primitive campground at Marion Reservoir. The sites are spacious with fire rings and you are able to self register. There is a shop with bait and firewood near but not in the campground itself.

  • Review photo of Marion Cove by Shannon G., September 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Marion Cove by Shannon G., September 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Marion Cove by Shannon G., September 22, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2020

Don't bother trying to picnic there...

I and my family drove quite a ways to enjoy this lake. My wife and I had come the week before to see if it would be a nice place to come and picnic for the day. We were impressed!!     BUT...  Today, unfortunately We found out this lake really caters to RVers and boaters. At least a third of the cottonwood cove area is closed (due to construction; no equipment, workers or evidence of construction on the roads or sites). We found a spot just off the boat launch that had a picnic table available. The rest of the park was full with campers.  We were trying to have a relaxing "SOCIALLY DISTANCED" evening. After an hour a golf cart pulls up and tells us we couldn't picnic there we were told "The rangers are coming" and if we try to go to the other side we would meet up with the sheriff🥴. I just wanted to enjoy what my tax dollars were paying for! I asked the law lady where we could picnic.  She had no idea. She finally came up with a site the campers didn't want and no where near where the kids could enjoy the water.  So much for a nice quiet evening. Very disappointed with a day the family was anticipating.  Note: the elderly golf cart lady was very nice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Marion Cove have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Marion Cove has water hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at Marion Cove?

Marion Cove allows vehicles up to 45 feet.

Are fires allowed at Marion Cove?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Marion Cove, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Marion Cove have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Marion Cove does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Marion Cove?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and excellent coverage for Verizon.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Marion Cove?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Marion Cove. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Marion Cove, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Marion Cove?

There are 17 campsites at Marion Cove and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts